Everyone sat at the table and washed their fingers in the washing bowl. Brandon sat beside King Oritel since he was to be the advisor. Sky and Bloom sat next to one another at the side of the table. The servants brought the dinners on a silver platter with a lid over it. They also cut up the meat to serve it to the people eating at the table.
Sky was partly thankful that Brandon could talk to King Oritel and keep the plan foolproof, but nervous about his manners. If Brandon once was from the low class, he may have poor manner skills. Then again, the folks that adopted him may've taught him a thing or two. Despite this, Sky was nervous and bit his bottom lip until it stung.
"It's okay," Bloom whispered before holding Sky's hand. "Brandon knows what he's doing."
Sky nodded and breathed out. Queen Mariam took her first bit at the food before she started talking.
"So Sky, why don't you tell me a little about yourself?" Queen Mariam offered.
"I was taught some of Aristotle's and Galileo's work..." Prince Sky replied with sweat dripping from the back of his neck. "I also take interest in reading."
"What do you read?"
"Poetry and some mythical stories from Greece."
"Wonderful!" Queen Mariam smiled brightly before Sky nodded his head.
"Are you aware of the responsibilities of being a King, if you become one?" King Oritel asked.
"Yes. Being a King, you must always put your people before yourself. It can be a hassle, especially if you're trying to keep the Surf's under control," Sky said.
"I'm trusting that you will take good care of my daughter from under your wing?"
"Of course."
Throughout the dinner, there were only short talks. Both kings and queens never spoke to one another except in simple conversations. It was only a moment of time before King Oritel and Queen Mariam left the castle toward home. Bloom stayed behind since her and Sky were engaged to be married. Brandon and Stella met the prince and princess in the forest and celebrated.
"That was great! Our parents never even mentioned about the wedding date," Sky grinned.
"And as long as they continue to be clueless, there is no way we'll end up being married to a random person," Bloom agreed before her and Sky gave high fives.
Brandon and Stella gave glances. They then, smiled at the two teenagers.
"How about tomorrow you guys set up a date and we'll meet you there?" Stella suggested.
"Certainly!" Bloom agreed.
"We'll walk through the maze," Sky said while pointing to the bush maze beside the castle.
"Perfect," Stella grinned.
"We will meet you there," Brandon said before the four separated.
Sky and Bloom walked back to the castle. Sky went into the library to read one of the mythical stories on the scroll. He kept rolling the scroll from up to down. Layla came back and used her hand to lower the scroll. Sky glared at his sister.
"You made me lose my place!" Sky complained.
"Spill Sky. I want to know what you and your girlfriend are up to!" Layla demanded. "There is no way you could've fallen in love right after Dad says he is to arrange you with someone."
"Who says it couldn't? That's what happened with Snow White."
"Spill!"
"Paranoid much?"
Layla's eyebrows furrowed. Sky was not letting the plan be mentioned to his sister. For one thing, it was none of her business and there were already enough people involved. Sky continued reading where he left off. Layla continued sitting across from her brother just watching him with those stubborn eyes. There was no way Layla could get through to Sky and he was proud of it.
The next morning, Sky and Bloom met their dates at the maze. They used the time for talking and socializing. The four kids enjoyed their company. They acted so much like a clique. There was no other unique group of friends. Sky enjoyed Brandon and Sam enjoyed Stella.
"You know, we should have a double wedding when we get to that bridge. It'll be perfect," Brandon thought.
"I know. As long as my vale has roses," Stella decided.
"We're fourteen and already talking about marriage. I just want to be a kid until I'm sixteen at least," Sky said.
"I don't know why. Mom always says that time goes by fast and when I get old, I won't be beautiful as I am now," Stella thought.
"You know. I wish I could live on my own with no husband whatsoever," Bloom glared. "I mean just because we're women doesn't make us property. Heck, I took care of myself pretty well while I was gone."
"Before you fell in the hole and sprained your ankle," Sky mentioned with a hint of teasing.
"It would be nice to be able to own property without a husband," Stella smiled.
"Hey, we're the ones who allow you to own property," Sky said proudly.
"Yes, but it's the females that give birth to male children," Bloom smirked.
"That maybe true, but you wouldn't be having children without the male."
"Oh, so you carry and give birth to children? I wonder how that is going to work." Bloom asked sarcastically before her and Stella started laughing. Sky and Brandon were both plain annoyed.
"We love you," Stella grinned before leaning her head against Sky's shoulder.
"I hear your sister is suspicious about us," Bloom said.
"Don't worry about her, Bloom. Layla is usually paranoid. It'll pass soon, I promise," Sky promised before showing half-a-smile.